11
This was killing her. Why did I ever agree to this? Before Seth had left to meet up with Sal, he asked her to be strong, and to have some faith that everything would be okay. Not to worry and not to call him. That once everything was over with, he’d return and take her out like he’d promised. But it had been hours since he’d left. And as far as being strong, she was. Strong enough to kick Mr. Sheen’s ass if anything happens to Seth.
Charlene got up off the couch and walked around room for what seemed like the millionth time. There was nothing here to distract her. If anything, it only made her think more about Seth. Calling Sofia was out of the question because she’d need to explain what Sal was up to as well. That would cause a chain reaction, and soon everyone would know what Seth and Sal were up to. And Seth would never trust me again.
She wasn’t even sure when Seth started trusting her. It would’ve been so easy for him to come up with some excuse, or lie, about where he really was going today. Seth was known for working, even on a Sunday. But instead, he was honest with her. The only way to ensure he continued to feel that way was to honor his request.
That didn’t mean she couldn’t nag her so call bodyguard. “Are you sure you haven’t heard anything?” Charlene asked Connor for the third time.
“Miss, I told you that I’d let you know if I had. Maybe you can…”
“Watching TV in the kitchen isn’t helping.” Charlene plopped back onto the couch. “I can’t believe Seth went with him. What if Mr. Sheen flips out?”
“They will handle it,” Connor stated.
She shot him a doubtful look. “Handle it? What exactly does that mean? Because I don’t think they are prepared for…” Charlene wasn’t even sure what that might be. A brawl? A shoot out? Her heart raced again. Don’t think about it.
“Miss, Seth isn’t alone.”
“I know. Sal is with him.”
Connor added, “Sal has dealt with many criminals in the past. He can handle whatever Sheen throws at him.”
But what about Seth? He wasn’t a cop. “So you’re not worried at all?”
“My job is here, protecting you,” Connor replied flatly.
“Not that I need it.” Connor didn’t respond, so she continued. “Okay so you’re not worried, but you can’t tell me you’re never worry.” Still nothing. “How about if someone you care about goes off to war? You must worry about them right? Because if not, then maybe there’s something wrong with you.”
For the first time, Connor’s stone cold demeanor changed and he shot her a warning look. “Are you trying to push my buttons?”
“What makes you ask that?” She actually was hoping that if she kept talking, he’d eventually tell her something just to shut her up.
“Let’s just say Sal and I have known each other for a long time. He may have mentioned you in the past.”
“What does that mean?” she asked sternly.
Connor grinned briefly. “You’re wasting your time.”
“I have nothing else to do,” she declared.
“Why don’t you go get ready for your date,” Connor suggested.
Her eyes widened. “Does that mean he’s okay and he’s on his way back?”
Connor rolled his eyes and walked away. She could sit there and ponder if that was Connor throwing her a hint, or actually get up and hope that he had. Fine. You win Connor. I’ll leave you alone.
Getting up she walked back to the guest room and went through her suitcase. She had packed quickly, but since Charlene had no idea how long she’d be gone, she had also filled it with a variety of clothing. Picking the right outfit for tonight would be so much easier if she had a clue what Seth had planned. With everything else going on, what made him think she wanted a surprise of any kind?
But hopefully focusing on what to wear was going to help alleviate some of the tension in her. Her head was pounding, and all because of stress. It didn’t matter what she did. Until she heard from Seth, it wasn’t going to cease. The only positive out of it all, Charlene hadn’t given her ankle a second thought.
Her cell phone rang and she dashed to pick up the call. The excitement quickly faded as she saw the caller ID. It was her mother.
“Hi Mom. How are you?”
“Charlene. I thought for sure you’d have called us and let your father and I know how your first week went. Should we be concerned?”
“No Mom. I’m fine. The job is great.”